UCAS Discovery Tour

Lower Sixth students attended the UCAS Higher Education Convention at the University of Winchester as part of the school's commitment to supporting students as they explore their higher education options, career aspirations and future pathways beyond Sixth Form.

The visit also built on students' recent introduction to the UCAS application process, helping them to begin planning their next steps with confidence.

The event provided students with an excellent opportunity to explore a wide range of post-18 options, helping them to make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways. Representatives from universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers and gap year organisations were on hand to discuss courses, entry requirements and the opportunities available after Sixth Form.

Hosted on Winchester university’s campus, the convention also gave students a valuable insight into higher education life. They were able to experience the atmosphere of a working university, explore facilities and speak directly with current students about their experiences of studying, managing workloads and making the transition from school to university.

Throughout the day, students attended information sessions, collected prospectuses and spoke with admissions staff about subjects they may wish to study in the future. Professional advice from UCAS and careers specialists also helped students to develop a greater understanding of the application process and the steps needed to achieve their ambitions.

Reflecting on the visit, Lower Sixth student Noah said: “The trip was really enjoyable and thought-provoking. It was great for understanding what different universities offer, as well as learning about university life and the surrounding area. It gave me a much greater understanding and awareness of the next steps after A Levels.”

Fellow Lower Sixth student Ethan added: “I found that meeting people in person, rather than viewing universities online, gave us a much more realistic insight into what university life could be like. It was great to be able to ask questions about our university choices. It was also nice to see such a wide range of universities, including specialist arts institutions, as it can be difficult to find university fairs that feature so many arts-focused options.”

Helen Taylor, Director of Sixth Form at Leighton Park summed up the day: “An information-packed day for our Lower Sixth students as they visited a UCAS Discovery Event at the University at Winchester. They were able to chat to representatives from universities around the country as they begin the exciting stage of selecting the courses and institutions they will be applying to next term. Students also benefitted from presentations on specific subjects, like law and medicine, as well as alternative pathways such as apprenticeships.

It was a fascinating day, even if the weather was not on our side.”

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